Ex-Rapp president sues agency for wrongful termination and discrimination

NEW YORK: Greg Andersen, former US president of Omnicom-owned Rapp, is suing the agency, claiming wrongful termination after he complained about global CEO Alexei Orlov.

In the suit, Andersen claims Orlov made a number of disparaging remarks about women — referring to them as "fat cows" on one occasion — as well as racist comments.

Andersen alleges Orlov told one Jewish colleague he was "miserly" because of his religion. He also claims the chief executive pressured a female employee workinig on Rapp's Pfizer account to get hold of Viagra for him without a prescription "because he [had] a young wife."

The former executive, who left last month after three years at the direct marketing agency, says he complained about these and other incidents, such as creating a "hostile working environment" on several occasions.

According to the suit, Orlov became aware of Andersen's complaints and, a short time after the latter was interviewed by the agency's HR chief and an investigator, Anderson was given notice.

The legal filing also claims Orlov once told a meeting of 70: "Mess with my brand or my direction, and I will break off your finger and shove it up your ass."

Andersen has also claimed his age played a part in the termination of his job. He is claiming unspecified damages.